Regent, please maintain your aloof image.

Qingxin Pavilion

You, Rou'er, you miss me but are too embarrassed to say so, so you deliberately make up stories to annoy me, huh? I almost fell for your trick. But you reminded me that to prevent you from falling for someone else, I've already instructed Xiao Xuan to keep an eye on you until I get back and not let you leave the palace. Also, I've ordered Xiao Yan to replace all the handsome guards. So, stop thinking about handsome young men. Instead, think about me more often. If all else fails, I'll personally paint a portrait of myself and have it sent to you by fast horse so you can admire it to your heart's content.

Upon seeing this, Su Qianrou couldn't help but laugh, thinking to herself, "So stingy," before continuing to read on.

I know you want me to go back sooner, and I do too, but it won't be that quick. It'll probably take another two months. Please wait a little longer. By the way, I heard there's an epidemic in Qingtong County. I know you've had a hard time these past few months, and I'll make it up to you when I get back.

After reading it, Su Qianrou picked up her pen and wrote him a reply.

You know how boring life in the palace is. Not only do you not let me leave the palace, but you've also replaced all the good-looking guards. What fun is there for me then? I disagree and strongly protest.

Su Qianrou smiled as she wrote, her lips never drooping.

Half a month later

Su Qianrou leaned back lazily in her chair, one hand supporting her head and the other holding a book, casual yet elegant.

The eldest princess sat upright and very dignified, holding a book in her hand.

Neither of them spoke; they sat quietly under the shade of the tree reading, enjoying themselves immensely.

After an unknown amount of time, the eldest princess asked, "Aunt, what do you think is the meaning of a person's life?"

"Why are you suddenly asking such a profound question?"

"I read in this book that people live to realize their dreams, even if it means getting hurt or being crushed to pieces."

Su Qianrou put down her book, sat up straight, and continued, "There is no fixed answer to this question. Everyone has a different perspective, and people at different ages have different ideas. Some people strive to realize their own value, some pursue happiness and joy, and some just drift along. Therefore, the meaning of life varies from person to person and depends on their personal thoughts, life experiences, and goals."

"And what about you?"

"For me, the most important thing in life is to be happy, so I live my life however makes me happy."

"Doesn't Your Majesty want the world to remember you? With Your Majesty's intelligence and talent, it wouldn't be impossible for you to be remembered for eternity and leave a lasting legacy."

Su Qianrou chuckled, "You think too highly of me. I don't have that kind of ability, but your royal uncle could, since he will be recorded in history."

"In my heart, my aunt and uncle are equally formidable. I wish I could be like my aunt, but unfortunately I don't have her courage," the eldest princess said, sounding somewhat dejected.

"Are you worried about rumors and gossip?"

The eldest princess nodded and said, "I am a princess, and my every word and action represents the royal family, so I cannot make the slightest mistake, otherwise I will bring shame to the royal family."

"While rumors may not kill, they can hurt people. The reason they hurt people is because you take them to heart. If you don't care, then no matter how harsh or unpleasant the words are, they can't hurt you in the slightest. However, very few people can be indifferent."

"Did the Imperial Aunt manage to do it?"

"I guess I've done my job. Anyway, I have a clear conscience. Let them say whatever they want, I won't take it to heart." Then he asked, "Is there anything you want to do but don't dare to do?"

"No, that's precisely why I admire my royal aunt so much. She has so many things she wants to do, and she does them all so well, especially the Saint Ming Academy, which is the first school ever founded by a woman. My royal aunt is truly amazing," the eldest princess said, looking at her with admiration.

"You're still young, you can take your time to think it over. One day, you'll find what you want to do, or what kind of life you want to live."

"No matter what kind of life I want to live, there will only be one path in the future, and that is marriage."

"Who said that princesses can choose the person they like?"

"Princesses are born for political marriages, so my life was already predetermined from the moment I was born."

"Isn't Chang Le an exception?"

“If Commander Xiao were not the heir of the Ningbei Marquis’s mansion, I think my grandfather and grandmother would have married Aunt Chang Le to him. Aunt Chang Le was just lucky; the person she liked happened to be the consort that my grandfather preferred.”

As expected of someone from the royal family, he can see things so clearly at such a young age.

"Don't worry. You never know what the future holds. It's better to live in the moment and enjoy each day as it comes. Why think so much? Don't you think so?"

"Ok".

"Alright, it's getting late, let's go back for dinner," he said, extending his hand to her.

The eldest princess placed her hand on hers and then let her lead her back into the house.

She also figured it out: she'd deal with the future later; at least she was happy now, and living in the present was more important.

Annamite Army Camp

The Third Prince Chen Xu and his generals are discussing attack plans.

"Third Prince, a letter has arrived from the palace. It seems the Emperor won't last more than two months, and Yunyue is clearly stalling for time. If this continues, I'm afraid..."

"Third Prince, we must find a way to take them down as soon as possible, otherwise the First Prince and the Second Prince will succeed."

"Everyone knows that, but the problem is how to take them down. Yunyue has Mu Jinchen, who has never been defeated. It's not an easy task."

"Have the people who went to survey the terrain returned?" Chen Xu asked.

"He's back, but only one person. The others are all dead, and that person is in bad shape. It seems like he was poisoned, and he hasn't woken up yet."

"No matter what method you use, you must wake him up."

"Yes".

Yunyue Military Camp

Inside the tent, Mu Jinchen and Yang Lin were discussing military matters.

"Your Highness, I feel that something is wrong with the enemy. They used to come and clamor every now and then, but recently they haven't made any moves. This is unusual."

"The secret guards have sent word that the Emperor of Annam has at most two months to live."

"Your Highness means that their third prince has returned, but why hasn't he withdrawn his troops?"

"Whether they've gone back or not, we'll know when the scouts return," Mu Jinchen said.

No sooner had he finished speaking than a scout entered, "Your Highness."

"how".

"I discovered that nearly half of the enemy's men are missing. Also, I have been waiting outside for several days, but I have not seen their third prince."

"So, you really went back."

"It's unlikely. There's no point in him going back now, and his brothers won't let him go back anyway."

"What does Your Highness think?"

Mu Jinchen thought for a moment, then got up and walked to the map.

Yang Lin followed and said, "Does Your Highness suspect that they might take risks?"

"It's not impossible."

"But this is very difficult. To the south are cliffs and precipices, so it is impossible to attack from there. To the north is a dense forest, with too many unknowns, so it is extremely dangerous. Moreover, they have to cross a swamp. Let alone whether they can cross the dense forest, even if they do, they will probably suffer heavy losses."

"Chen Xu took 30,000 men with him. Even if the losses were heavy, it was impossible for the entire army to be wiped out. Once he leads his men through the dense forest, we will be in danger. Not only will we be attacked from both sides, but we will also have no way to retreat."

"So what should we do now?"

"You must immediately lead your men to set up an ambush and traps in the dense forest, and make sure they don't come out."

"Yes," Yang Lin replied without delay and immediately went to make the arrangements.

Mu Jinchen stared at the map, lost in thought.